Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Scott at scotmckie@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
BENEFITS/FUNDRAISERS
Cherokee Children’s Home Golf Tournament Fundraiser. Aug. 14-15 at the Sequoyah National Golf Course in Cherokee, N.C. This is a fundraiser for the Cherokee Children’s Home. $350 per golfer includes cart and green fees. Two-person teams, lunch provided each day. Tee times will be scheduled for each team by the Clubhouse. Call the course in advance to request a specific tee time at (828) 497-3000. Info: (828) 359-5575, cchevents@cherokeeboysclub.com
NAIWA Indian Dinner Fundraiser. Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. at the Open Air Indian Art Market at Qualla Arts & Crafts in Cherokee, N.C. This is a fundraiser for NAIWA Cherokee Chapter. Indian Dinners and a drink for $15. Info: Lucille Wolfe (828) 736-5285
VOC’s 1st Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser. Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. at Sequoyah National Golf Course in Whittier, N.C. All proceeds benefit Vocational Opportunities of Cherokee, Inc. (VOC). Tournament prizes for: winning team, closest to the pin, and longest drive. To register or for information: Sasha Jumper (828) 497-9827
EBCI COMMUNITY EVENTS
Battle of the Bands. Aug. 15-16 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day at the Kanunohi Water Park in Cherokee, N.C. Prizes: 1st place – $1,000; 2nd place – $600; 3rd place – $400. Register at the Cherokee Welcome Center at 498 Tsali Blvd. in Cherokee. Info: (828) 359-6490
Cherokee Singing for the Lord. Aug. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cherokee Visitors Center Pavilion at 498 Tsali Blvd. in Cherokee, N.C. Bring your own chair and enjoy an evening of Southern Gospel singing. All singers are welcome. Concessions will be available. Info: Stinker Sequoyah (828) 736-2188 or Lou Johnson 788-2853
Wolftown Community Day. Aug. 16 at the Wolftown Field and Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Traditional singing and dance (8 a.m.); 12-and-under Fun Run (8:30 a.m.); 3-point Basketball Tournament (9:30 a.m.); Boys Stickball game (11 a.m.); Men’s Stickball game (1 p.m.); Cornhole Tournament (4 p.m.). Vendors welcome – $25 setup (food vendors and arts/crafts vendors). Info: Abe Jackson (828) 736-3082
Community Open House. Aug. 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. Guided tours, social dances, family fun.
MANNA Foodbank Community Market. Aug. 21 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. (or until food is gone) at the Wolftown Gym outside court at 27 Long Branch Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. This event is free and open to all community members. Stop by for free grocery staples, produce, and other perishables. Info: (828) 359-6934 or megastam@ebci-nsn.gov
Reed Family Yard Sale. Aug. 23 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the parking lot of the Cherokee Boys Club in Cherokee, N.C. Baby clothes, shoes, men’s and women’s clothing, home décor, tools, and more.
Whitewater Landing Ribbon-cutting event. Aug. 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 540 Whitewater Dr. in Cherokee, N.C. Door prizes and food, scooter and bike giveaways. Provided by Tribal Option.
Honoring Long Person: An Indigenous Vision for Stewarding Our Waterways. Sept. 5 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. starting at the Peaches Squirrell Sports & Recreation Complex in Cherokee, N.C. This is a community-led river cleanup. Free breakfast served by NAIWA. Materials, equipment, and planning provided. Register at: https://forms.gle/L3VTGsci6egWWLyN7
Kuwohi Celebration. Sept. 16 at 7 a.m. at Kuwohi in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This event will mark the one-year anniversary of the USGBN officially approving Kuwohi as the rightful name of the tallest peak in the Park. To attend the celebration, you will need a parking pass. Email: arneachdawn@gmail.com to get a pass.
EBCI COMMUNITY REGULAR MEETINGS
Cherokee Storytellers meet the fourth Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ray Kinsland Leadership building in Cherokee, N.C. All ages are welcome. The group shares stories and resources.
Cherokee storytelling and Cherokee history in the Snowbird Community Library at 60 Snowbird School Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C., every fourth Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.
NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.
NAIA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for Aug. 10 and Sept. 14.
Cherokee History & Stories. Through December 2025 on the first Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. in the TJ Holland Education Room at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. Museum of the Cherokee People welcomes storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, for Cherokee History & Stories. This free educational series will explore culturally significant places, stories, and key figures in Cherokee history. All are welcome to listen and learn; no registration is required.
Quallatown Makers. Tuesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Museum of the Cherokee People Art Studio in Cherokee, N.C. Quallatown Makers is a free opportunity to gather as a group and be together while working on art. The goal of this group, organized and hosted by Museum of the Cherokee People, is to perpetuate Cherokee art and knowledge-sharing. Bring your own craft; all artforms are welcome. Coffee will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks.
Fingerweaving Fridays. Fridays from Aug. 15-Sept. 26 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m in the Museum of the Cherokee People Art Studio in Cherokee, N.C. Join Lead Atsila Anotasgi Cultural Specialist Nola (EBCI) in a crafting circle. Bring a project you’re working on or begin a new weaving using materials brought from home or sourced from the Museum’s selection. Beginners and experienced weavers welcome; instruction available. This opportunity is free of charge and registration is not required.
DINILAWIGI (TRIBAL COUNCIL) MEETINGS
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Roads Commission. Aug. 18 at 9 a.m.
Timber Committee. Aug. 18 at 10:30 a.m.
Planning Board. Aug. 18 at 1 p.m.
Budget Hearings. Aug. 19 at 8:30 a.m.
Budget Hearings. Aug. 20 at 8:30 a.m.
Qualla Housing Committee. Aug. 21 at 1 p.m.
Budget Hearings. Aug. 22 at 8 a.m.
Budget Hearings. Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.
Budget Hearings. Aug. 27 at 8 a.m.
HEALTH & SPORTS EVENTS
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course. Aug. 18 – Dec. 20 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and approximately one Saturday a month from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The course, offered by Cherokee Tribal EMS, is free. Info: Eric Mayhew, EMS training captain, at ericmayh@ebci-nsn.gov
Cherokee Choices Open House and Health Screen. Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Cherokee Choices at 806 Acquoni Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Blood pressure and A1C checks, prizes, resources, sign up for programs, and more. Info: robibail@ebci-nsn.gov
From Darkness Into Hope Annual Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Event. Sept. 18 at the Oconaluftee Island Park. Info: (828) 359-6180.
POW WOW LISTINGS
Crow Fair. Aug. 13-19 in Crow Agency, Mont. Emcees: Ruben Little Head, Darrin Old Coyote, Sylvan “Buzzy” Covers Up, Dale Old Horn, Robert “Corky” Old Horn. Info: Noel Two Leggings (406) 970-5379, crowfairpowwow2025@gmail.com
47th Wichita Annual Dance. Aug. 14-16 in Anadarko, Okla. Emcees: Cy Ahtone and Normal Clark. Head Singer: Jeffrey Lightfoot. Host Drum: Traditional Drum Grasslodge. Info: Beth Parker (405) 247-2425, wichitadancecommittee@wichitatribe.com
Mille Lacs 59th Annual Traditional Pow Wow. Aug. 15-17 at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Pow Wow Arena in Onamia, Minn. Info: https://millelacsband.com/
Neyaashiinigmiing 40th Annual Traditional Pow Wow. Aug. 15-17 at Cape Croker Park in Wiarton, Ontario, Canada. MC: Beedahsiga Eliott. Host Drum: Little Soldier. Hometown Host Drum: Chippewa Travelers. Co-Host Drum: White Tail Cree. Invited Drum: Smoke Trail. Info: Rachel Renfrew at communications@nawash.ca
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi. Aug. 15-17 in Shakopee, Minn. Emcees: Redwing Thomas, Juaquin Hamilton, Whitney Rencountre. Host Drums: The Descendants, Mato Pejuta. Info: Martin Mitchell (763) 353-0024, martin.mitchell@shakopeedakota.org
The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Contest Pow Wow. Aug. 15-17 at Uyxat Pow Wow Grounds in Grand Ronde, Ore. Emcees: Howie Thompson and Marty Thurman. Host Drum: Midnite Express. Invited Drums: Southern Cree, Hay Creek, Fort Peck Sioux, Iron Swing, Wakinyan Luta. Info: www.grandronde.org
American Indian Council Inc. Annual Pow Wow. Aug. 16-17 at Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Ind. MC: Lou Bell. Host Northern Drum: Burning Cedar. Host Southern Drum: Strong Heart. Invited Drum: Black Hand. Info: Kirsten Wamsley at indianaaic@gmail.com
Sauk-Suiattle Annual Celebration of Generations Pow Wow. Aug. 22-24 at the 4 Cedars Pow Wow Grounds in Darrington, Wash. MC: Dave Madera. Info: powwow@sauk-suiattle.com
Zhiibaahaasing 29th Annual Pow Wow. Aug. 22-24 at the Zhiibaahaasing Pow Wow Grounds in Zhiibaahaasing, Ontario, Canada. Info: Bobbisue Kells-Riberdy (705) 283-3963, bobbisue@zhiibaahaasing.org
Annual Little Shell Veteran’s and Elder’s Pow Wow. Aug. 23-24 at the Little Shell Pow Wow Arbor in Great Falls, Mont. Emcees: Tommy Christian, Thomas Limberhand, Vince Short. Host Drum: Haystack. Info: Alisa (406) 868-7980
Lake Granbury Intertribal Pow Wow. Aug. 23 at Salon El Ranchito in Tolar, Texas. MC: Al Santos. Co-MC: Larry Liles. Host Northern Drum: Eagle Point. Host Southern Drum: Otter Trail. Info: Julie Hale (682) 307-0659, info@apachecrowndancers.com
SUPPORT GROUPS
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org
WESTERN N.C. & BEYOND EVENTS
George Masa photography exhibition. Now through Aug. 15 at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center in Cullowhee, N.C. The exhibition is entitled “A Stranger No More: George Masa and His Art”. The exhibition features a remarkable collection of George Masa’s original photographs—some never before seen—drawn from the William A. Hart, Jr. and Alice Huff Hart Masa Collection housed in WCU’s Hunter Library Special Collections. These images are displayed alongside Masa’s recently acquired camera and tripod, now part of the Mountain Heritage Center’s collection. Admission is free. The Mountain Heritage Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Info: (828) 227-7129 or https://www.wcu.edu/engage/mountain-heritage-center/
Jackson County Republican Party Pancake Breakfast. Aug. 15-16 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. each day at the Jackson County Republican Headquarters at 40 W. Sylva Shopping Area in Sylva, N.C. Plates, with sausage or bacon, are $15/adults and $10/children.
Jackson County Republican Monthly Meeting. Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. at 40 W. Sylva Shopping Area (Harold’s Supermarket Plaza) in Sylva, N.C.
Living Legacy Fall Trade Fair. Aug. 22-23, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. both days. McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, 522 W Madison Ave., Athens, Tenn. Crafts, music, spinning, pottery, woodworking, quilting and more. Entry is free. Info. (423) 745-0329
New Echota-Cherokee Capitol hosts “Come Fly with Me: birding hike!”. Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. at the New Echota State Historic Site at 1211 GA225 in Calhoun, Ga. The Ranger guided hike will be traversing the nature trails to the beaver pond, the best birding spot on the entire site. The ranger will discuss the different species of birds that call New Echota home along with some species that have vanished from our local landscape. Rangers will also be discussing the relationship between birds and the Cherokee and their significance to their culture. Info: Interpretive Ranger Amanda McCollum – Williams (706) 624-1321
Bingo Night. Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Smoky Mountain Event Center at 758 Crabtree Rd. in Waynesville, N.C. Early birds start at 5:30 p.m. Regular games start at 6 p.m. $20 buy-in. Concessions available. $500 coverall payout. Info: www.smokymountaineventcenter.com
Smoky Mountain Storytellers Association Story Concert. Aug. 31 at 2:30 p.m. at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center at 123 Cromwell Dr. in Townsend, Tenn. Free event. Storytellers include Roland Mote, Susan Fulbright, and David Jazkrison.
Cherokee Fall Festival. Sept. 6-7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music, and dance; blacksmith demonstrations; special entertainment; and more. Tickets: Adults – $10, Children 13-18 – $5, Children 12 and under are free. Family rate is $25 (two adults and two children 13-18). Info: Museum at (423) 884-6246
Trolls: A Field Study by Thomas Dambo. Nov. 15 to Feb. 17 at The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville, North Carolina. Days in the gardens and on the trails. Evenings in the garden at Winer lights Nov. 15 – Jan. 3 Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind. For more information please visit ncarboretum.org